Keep Your Home Cool During the Oklahoma Summer

House Cooling Tips to Beat the Heat

When the hot, humid Oklahoma summers come around, you need to take steps to keep your home cool and comfortable. Here are some great tips and tricks to beating the summer heat and staying cool. Also, get information on keeping your car safe in the summer.

Air Conditioner

If your home has an old, tired air conditioner, perhaps an upgrade is in order. You can save yourself a significant amount of money in the long run with one of the newer, more energy efficient models of air conditioners.

Otherwise, the key with air conditioners is to keep them maintained. Here are some valuable tips to keep yours running smoothly:

Make sure your outdoor unit is clear from debris and blockage. Leaves, grass and many other airborn debris can hinder circulation and make your unit have to work overtime.

Change your air filter regularly. This can often dramatically increase the cooling performance. If your unit utilizes a permanent, washable filter, clean it regularly.

Consider having a contractor inspect your unit. Technicians can check for any coolant leaks, electrical problems or reparable wearing.

Shade your air conditioner if at all possible. The less sun that shines directly on your unit in the heat of the summer, the better performance you'll receive.

Your Thermostat

It is also important that your thermostat work properly. If it takes batteries, change them. Don't place heat-producing items near your thermostat, and make sure the sun is not shining directly on it.

These scenarios force your air conditioner to work when its not needed, creating unnecessary expense. You'll have to run it plenty during an Oklahoma summer, so there's no need to when you don't have to.

Inside Your Home

With all of the technical issues aside, there are a number of great tips you can do in your Oklahoma home to keep your house cool during the summer.

First and foremost, adjust your temperature requirements. You'll save tremendous money in cooling bills by wearing light and comfortable clothing around the house. Keep your thermostat set as high as possible for your comfort.

Use ceiling fans. Despite common belief, these actually don't do much in reducing the actual temperature in your home. But they do circulate the air and make the rooms they're in seem much cooler. Ceiling fans are often fairly inexpensive and easy to install and are well worth it in the summer heat.

Shade, Shade, Shade. Sunlight is the enemy to a cool home. Utilize dark curtains or blinds for windows, and don't open them during the heat of the day.

Avoid heating appliances. If you don't have to use the oven, stove, dishwasher or clothes drier during the heat of the day, don't. These can often dramatically increase the temperature in an area of your house.

Check all window and door seals. If your house has older windows, consider replacing them if you can afford the cost. If not, make sure they are all well-sealed.

Use florescent lighbulbs. Florescents typically last longer, use less energy and are often cooler than their traditional incandescent counterparts.

Remember also that Oklahoma can often be very dry during the summer. While it is a good idea to keep your home shaded outside and your yard watered, make sure that you keep up with any water usage restrictions that may be in place in your area.